Skier's body found after avalanche at Hatcher Pass

WASILLA — Alaska State Troopers say searchers have recovered the body of a skier who went missing after an avalanche at Hatcher Pass.

Troopers say the body of 65-year-old James Helling of Palmer was recovered at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday.

Another skier, 54-year-old Jerry Kallam of Palmer, was injured in the snow slide Saturday afternoon.

Troopers, the Palmer Fire Department and emergency services crews rushed to the scene. Officials say rescue efforts were hampered because the area of the avalanche is too steep for a helicopter to land.